BUY THE OLD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Bishops Castle town Christmas lights are up for sale and you have until noon on Thursday, January 30 to make a bid for them.

The lights have been used for a number of years to brighten up the streets at Christmas and are made up of strings of traditional coloured bulbs. The new Christmas lights organisers aim to purchase new lights in 2014 and all the proceeds from the sale will go towards this fund.

If you want to buy the old lights, put your bid in a sealed envelope and send it to Diane Malley, the town clerk at Enterprise House, Bishops Castle. You can also email townclerk@bishopscastle.co.uk.

BUSINESS SUPPORT EVENT – Enterprise House in Bishops Castle is hosting an open evening for business people on Wednesday from 4pm-7pm.

Centre manager Mike Ashwell said: “The focus is on funding, support and growth for your business and we’ve invited a wide range of people who can offer different services to help you grow.” Information on the Business Enterprise Fund will be available. This offers grants of up to £5,000 (capped at £1,500 for start- up and new businesses) and 50% match-funded by businesses. For larger projects, grants of up to £5,000 for start-up and £10,000 for existing businesses may be available.

The Growth Accelerator programme, Impetus Business Loans and the Marches Redundant Building Grant Scheme will also be explained. Mike Ashwell said: “A member of the Shropshire Council Economic Team will be available to share more information on the support available to businesses in the area, as well as booking you a place on the next round of free business support clinics. Another thing to think about for 2014 is taking on an apprentice. It’s a very good way to bring new staff into your business. It’s not costly and a representative from County Training will be here to advise you. In addition, Mathew Mead from Shropshire Community Action will be on hand to offer support to your local community because we know that apart from running your business you’re also likely to be a big part of your local community.”

Mike Ashwell will be available to answer your ICT questions about both new and more established technologies to support your business.

To find out more call 01588 638038.

HELP FOR HEROES SALE – A table top sale in Bishops Castle Public Hall on Saturday will raise money for Help for Heroes.

The day runs from 10am to 4pm, with stalls, refreshments and a raffle.

Call Jan Marston on 0798 0022657 if you want to book a table for £5.

TOP AWARD FOR BOARS HEAD – Darren Price, landlord of the Boars Head, had some good news recently.

He has been awarded the 2013 Top Rated Guest Award by Laterooms.com, the UK’s number one accommodation booking site. “On January 13 we received notification from Laterooms.com to advise that we won the 2013 Top Rated Guest Award. It’s fantastic and I’m so thrilled.”

DENNER ENSEMBLE ENERGY – Mark Baigent and The Denner Ensemble present a concert called Wood-Wind, Bladders and Guts at the Three Tuns in Bishops Castle on February 2. Starting at 3pm, tickets are £10 on the door, with children free.

The Denners are regularly described in the music press as uplifting, energetic and engaging and their new programme of sonatas and concertos is designed to give the audience a lift at what can be a bleak time of the year.

Wood-Wind, Bladders and Guts features the Mark Baigent playing the baroque oboe and bassoon, alongside the gut strung viola da gamba and cello. Included in the programme is the ‘bizarre and gruesome’ in the form of March de Sythes for solo harpsichord and L’Operation , a musical represen - tation of an 8th century bladder operation.

NEW YEAR EUCHARIST – Nineteen members of Bishops Castle Mothers’ Union met in the Church Barn to celebrate the New Year with a eucharist conducted by the Rev Stephanie Fountain.

This was followed by the AGM and Barbara Crowther, retiring branch leader, was thanked and presented with a bouquet. Gill Phillips was elected as the new branch leader with Cynthia Jones as deputy leader, Jenny Plunkett – secretary, Tricia Jones – treasurer, Pat Prettyman – programme secretary. Committee members are Mary Auty, Belinda Penney and Barbara Crowther.

The best wishes secretary is Barbara Pickford and the press secretary is Mary Jackson.

The Christmas lunch at the Inn on the Green, Wentnor was much enjoyed by members and friends with seasonal mince pies, crackers and good com - pany.

Bishops Castle Mothers’ Union meetings are generally held the afternoon of the third Wednesday of the month in the Church Barn.

At the next meeting, on February 19 at 2.30pm, Rev Sarah Hare will talk to members about her life journey which has brought her to Bishops Castle. Call Jenny Plunkett on 01588 630018 for more details.

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY, January 23-29

THURSDAY: Film, Blue Jasmine (12A). SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, £4.50/£3, 7pm. Call 01588 630321 or 638038.

  • Footpath Walking Group. Bishops Castle to Church Stretton, 12 miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishops Castle, 9.30am. Call 07910 198477.
  • Yoga with Marj Cook. Grange Road community room, Bishops Castle, weekly. Beginners 5.30pm, improvers 7pm. Call 07713 621586.

SATURDAY: Table top sale in aid of Help for Heroes. Bishops Castle public hall, £5 table, 10am - 4pm. Call 0798 0022657.

MONDAY: Live broadcast from Royal Opera House, Giselle , SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, £11/£8, 7.15pm. Call 01588 630321 or 638038.

  • Bingo in aid of breast cancer research. Powis Arms, Lydbury North, 8pm. Call 01588 680396.

TUESDAY: Footpath Walking Group, Leintwardine. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishops Castle, 9.30am. Call 01588 650451.

WEDNESDAY: Local business open evening. Enterprise House, Bishops Castle, free, 4pm -7pm. Call 01588 638038.

CORRESPONDENT – If you have any news for the paper, or a coming event to promote, please hand a note addressed to Julia Parker over the counter at Bishops Castle Post Office, phone 01588 680445 or email jparker228@btinternet.com.